How the Candy Industry Plans to Help You Manage Your Sugar Intake

Last week, I had the wonderful opportunity of talking with the National Confectioners Association at the 20th Anniversary of the Sweets and Snacks Expo. During our briefing, the National Confectioners Association shared their new initiative in cooperation with the Partnership for a Healthier America. The Partnership for a Healthier America has a goal to engage corporations to end childhood obesity within a generation. The NCA has brought together America’s leading chocolate and candy companies to provide consumers with information, options, and support as they enjoy their favorite treats.

With over 800 exhibitors displaying over 4 acres of chocolate, candy, gum, mints and snacks at the Sweets and Snacks Expo, this was the perfect time for the NCA to unveil their initiative. You can find Mars Chocolate, Wrigley, Nestle USA, Ferrero, Lindt, Ghirardelli, Russell Stover and Ferrara Candy Company involved. These companies have committed themselves that by 2022 half of their individually wrapped chocolate and candy products will contain 200 calories or less per pack.

So how are they planning on making this happen?

Packaging Innovations

New product development

Reformulations, since these candy companies are committed to not reinventing to your favorites.

Consumer Education

Front-of-pack labeling to put calorie information front and center.

The National Confectioners Association wants you to remember that candy is always a treat. It’s not a snack. It’s something to enjoy after feeding your body the nutrients it needs. With most people in the US enjoying candy 2-3 times a week, we are averaging an additional 40 calories per day and about 1 teaspoon of added sugar per day. You can find out more candy facts, as well as read about the more than 400 ingredients in candy and why they are used at YourCandyYourQuestions.com!

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry. The NCA educated consumers to help them understands and appreciate the unique role sweets have in a happy, balanced life. The U.S. confectionery industry directly employs more than 55,000 people and creates more 465,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and more.

Reader Interactions

Comments

It’s good that they are starting to make some changes towards how they are marketing their products. I think sometimes it can be a bit confusing for people when there’s snack size mars bars marketed as just 100 calories but most of that’s sugar and definitely not great for your health. Sweets and chocolate are a treat, and certainly when I was growing up that wasn’t the message they were sending out to kids. It was have this all the time! So really glad to hear it’s changing.

It’s so interesting that they are taking initiative towards thing like smaller packaging with calorie restrictions. Childhood obesity has serious health implications and it’s about time that changes in marketing treats take place.

I had no idea there was this type of initiative happening. I hope that as they make the changes their prices don’t increase. I would love to see less corn syrup in all food across the board. Candy though is the first thing I cut out when changing my habits.

I think creating smaller packaging here would be a great choice as well. Nobody needs a king size candy bar of any sort. And the sharing size bags are a joke. Most people I know that purchase them have no intentions on sharing.

First off, this sounds like the most delicious conference ever! I’m a candy fanatic and I’d appreciate anything to keep me mindful of the sugar I’m consuming on a daily basis. As I write this, I’m chowing down on chocolate and caramel covered pretzels. Mmmm. However, I just put the bag away now that I’m thinking about the sugar content.

I am glad to see them do this. I think that the candy industry was getting a little out of hand with just promoting eating there products and not taking any responsibility as to how unhealthy it was to eat so much sweets. Candy should be moderated and I am glad to see that they are realizing that.

I know that people actually taking an interest in where their food comes from and what’s in it. It’s our responsibility to know what we’re putting into our bodies, and to be sure that we’re comfortable with it. It’s nice to see brands being transparent, and letting the onus fall with the people fully responsible for their health.

I am glad they are taking part in making the world a healthier place. Candies aren’t snacks and should be consumed in smaller portions, but people can’t always do that because, candy. Lol. It’s so nice that these companies are doing what they can.

I also glad the industry is trying to be more aware of what goes into their products. I don’t really eat a lot of candy or buy a lot of candy. When I do I look for dark chocolate or brands who are more of their ingredients.

I seldom eat candy since I have never really got into sweets, but I’m still glad to hear that some of the most popular candy companies are becoming more concerned about sugar consumption. That is wonderful news!